GB2189466A - Display container - Google Patents

Description

GB 2 189 466 A

SPECIFICATION problems.

The present collapsible display and storage Display container container solves many of these problems and overcomes many of the disadvantages and The present invention relates to a display container 70 shortcomings associated with known display and more particularly relates to a collapsible display devices, and teaches the construction and use of a and storage containerfor use in storing and relatively simple and economical open display and displaying a wide variety of products packaged and storage bin convenient and accessible to customers.

unpackaged including products having varying sizes The collapsible display and storage container of the and shapes. More specificallythe invention relatesto 75 present invention comprises a flat sheet or board a foldable board structure adapted to be positioned material, preferably a corrugated flexible plastic as an open bin fordisplay and/orstorage of both board material, scored on at least one side to define a bottled and canned products. The presentstorage centre panel, a plurality of foldable side panels, and a and display containercan conveniently be utilized in plurality of foldable connecting bandsjoining the many display rack applications including the 80 outwide corners or end portions of successive side modular display units shown and described in U.S. panels, each of said connecting bands defining an Patent No. 3,429,428 and can likewise be utilized in a aperturewith each pair of successive side panels and free-standing configuration for use on flatstore each being scored so as to be bendable orfoldableto counters or other substantially horizontal support conform to the posts or other upright memebrs structures. Likewise, the storage and display 85 associated with a particular modu lar display unit.

container of the present invention is advantageously Two of the opposing foldable side panels are collapsible to a f lat package which can be stored in a foldable onto the top of the centre panel while the minimum of space and shipped in multiples in remaining foldable side panels can befolded on top relatively small and light packages. Furthermore, the of thefirsttwo side panels or, alternatively, on the storage and display container of the present 90 bottom of the centre panel,thus supplying invention is produced utilizing relatively lightweight convenience and economy in shipment and storage materials of construction while nevertheless being of the collapsible container of the present invention.

relatively sturdy and reusable. In use, in conjunction with a modular display unit Recentyears have witnessed a growing awareness such as that shown and described in U.S. Patent No.

of the value of utilizing point-of-purchasefixtures 95 3,429,428, the present container device provides a and other product display devices and, as a result of simple and efficient means for effectively dispalying this awareness, a variety of display devices, individual bottles or cans of shelvable products as including modular display fixtures, have been well as other products readily accessible to the designed and manufactured for use in consumer and at selected or varying heights in a merchandising shelvable products to consumers. 100 modular display stand. These features are These display devices are commonly employed by particularly important to merchants becausethey supermarkets and othe retain stores for use in store enhance the accessibilityto the customer of any display windows and other display areas to show product displayed therein and they more effectively and focus attention on the merchandising wares utilize available counter or standing modular display displayed therein. One of the major problems 105 stand floor space. Because of these capabilities, the associated with storing and displaying shelvable present device is particularly advantageous for use products for sale to consumers is the ineffective use in supermarkets, convenience stores, grocery of available shelf space and the inability of the outlets, drug and liquid stores, fastfood outlets, and mercharitto continuously provide shelvable a wide variety of otherwholeale and retain stores.

products which are readily accessible to the 110 Two embodiments of the present collapsible display customer. Proper utilization or merchandising areas and storage containers as well as two display is extremely importaritto merchants who handle a arrangements of the present device are disclosed wide variety of shelvable products, such as herein, one arrangement of the preferred numerous bottled and canned goods, since effective embodiment adaptablefor use with a modular use of these areas promotes sales. 115 display unit such as that shown and described in Typically, a single modular display unit will U.S. Patent No. 3,429,428, and the other contain only one ortwo sizes of product containers arrangement being especially adapted for use as a while it often would be advantageous if one or more stand-alone counter, window, orf loor container bin.

smaller sized containers of the same or related It is anticipated that the present devices can also be productwere available to the customer on the same 120 utilized in other display unit applications such as display unit or adjacent thereto. Absence of such refrigerated display coolers and other smaller sized containers of the same or related merchandising systems.

products in the immediate display area often results An optional feature of the presentdevice also in loss of customer interest and possible loss of includes quickly insertable corner brackets which sales. To require a second modular display unit 125 enable the collapsible container of the present alongside the first is often not practical dueto invention to be placed in an open angle-sided bin limitation of aisle orfloor space in a particularstore configuration wholly separate and apart from any or installation. The known devices or methods for display module or rack. Thus, the present device is storing and merchandising shelvable products have rendered suitable for placing on a counter, wide not been ableto completely resolve the above 130 shelf, store window, or other supporting surface to 2 GB 2 189 466 A 2 serveasan open readily acceesible binfor board can beformed into a bin byfolding in said side dispensing to customers individual sized bottles, panels and inserting said folded sheet into an cans, orthe like of shelvable products. In this open open-sided box- shaped storage module, said bin configuration, the device of the present invention box-shaped module including positioning and is also suitable forstorage of empty orfull containers 70 stabilizing means in theform of corner posts, and in storage areasforstorage of empty orfull thereafterfolding out said side panels until said containers in storage areasfor ready replacementor connecting portions engagethe corner posts of said restocking of empty or partiallyempty bins in display box-shaped module.

areas. According to another aspect of the invention there It istherefore a principle objectof the present 75 is provided a display containerfor use in invention to provide an efficient and attractive combination with a modular display unit having a product display container adaptable for display and plurality of similarly connected side wall panels, said storage of a wide variety of shelvable products display container comprising a flat sheet of therein. corrugated board scored on at least one sideto Another object is to provide a display and storage 80 define a centre panel, a plurality of foldable side containerwhich is relatively simple and inexpensive. panels, a plurality of foldable connecting bands, Another object of the present invention is to each of said connecting bandsjoining adjacentside provide a displayand storage containerwhich is panels and defining with each pairof said adjacent collapsibleto aflatfolded configuration for ease of side panels an opening, each of said connecting shipment and storage. 85 bands being scored so asto conform to positioning Another object of the present invention isto and stabilizing means associated with said modular provide a display and storage containerwhich is display unit, said positioning and stabilizing means constructed of relatively lightweight materials. including the corner postsformed bythe adjacent Another object of the present invention isto abutting sidewall panels of said modular display provide a display and storage containerwhich is 90 unit.

sturdy and ableto withstand normal usage. According to another aspect of the invention there Another object of the present invention is to is provided a display containerfor use in provide a display and storage containerwhich is combination with a support structure having a reusable. plurality of substantially upright support means, said Another object of the present invention is to 95 display container comprising floor means having a provide a display and storage containerwhich is plurality of side edges, a plurality of side portions, quickly and efficiently adapted for use separate and means for attaching said side portionsto the side apart from other display units or modules. edges of said floor means, a plurality of connecting Another object of the present invention is to portions, each of said connecting portions joining provide a display and storage container specially 100 adjacent side portions, each of said connecting adapted for use in combination with standard portions being movable so as to conform to the modular display units. substantially upright support means associated with Another object of the present invention is to said support structure.

provide a display and storage containerwhich can be According to another aspect of the invention there quickly and easily installed into a standard modular 105 is provided a display containerfor use in displayunit. combination with a support structure having a floor Still another object of the present invention is to portion and a plurality of substantially vertical provide a display and storage container adapted for support means, said display container comprising a use as a separate collecting or storage bin. plurality of side panels positioned adjacentto the According to one aspect of the invention there is 110 floor portion of said support structure, a plurality of provided a display container comprising a sheet connecting panels, each of said connecting panels having a central portion, a plurality of side portions joining adjacent side panels and each being foldable attached to the central portion, said side portions so as to conform to the substantially vertical support being movable in at least one direction relative to the means associated with said support structure.

central portion, and a plurality of connecting 115 According to another aspect of the invention there portions each positioned respectively between and is provided a display containerfor use in adjoining adjacent side panels, each of said combination with a support structure having a floor connecting panels having at least a portion thereof portion and a plurality of substantially vertical movable to a position out of the planes of said side support means, said display container comprising a panels and in a direction towards the central portion. 120 plurality of side portions positioned adjacentto the According to another aspect of the invention there floor portion of said support structure, said side is provided a display container comprising a sheet of portions being angularly related to thef loor portion corrugated board scored on at least one sideto of said support structure, and means for attaching define a centre panel, a plurality of side panels said side portions to the substantially vertical attached to said centre panel, and a plurality of 125 support means associated with said support connecting portionsjoining adjacent side panels and structure.

defining with each pair of adjacent side panels an According to another aspect of the invention there opening, each of said connecting portions being is provided a display container comprising floor scored so asto conform to positioning and means, a plurality of side portions attached to said stabilizing means, wherein said sheet of corrugated 130 floor means, said side portions being movable in at 3 GB 2 189 466 A 3 least one direction relative to said floor means, and a range from about 500 to about 600 to the longitudinal plurality of connecting portions each positioned axis of said sheet.

respectively between and joining adjacent side The sheet of corrugated board may be scored so portions, each of said connecting portions having at that a first pair of opposing side panels can befolded least a portion thereof movableto a position out of 70 oversaid centre panel.

the planes of said side portions and in a direction In one embodimentthe sheet of corrugated board towards said floor means. is scored so that the remaining opposing side panels Preferablythe sheet of material has top and can be folded over said first pair of side panels.

bottom surfaces and a plurality of side edges, said In another embodimentthe sheet of corrugated sheet including means forweakening said sheet 75 board is scored so that the remaining opposing side along a portion thereof, said weakening means panels can be reverse folded beneath said centre being positioned atan intermediate location spaced panel.

from said plurality of side edges and defining the Preferably said side panels comprise a double central panel portion within said sheet, portions of thickness of said corrugated board folded flat and said sheet located between said weakening means 80 bonded over a substantial portion of the mating and said plurality of side edges defining the plurality surfaces.

of side panels. The sheet of corrugated board may be formed into In another embodiment the sheet of corrugated a bin byfolding up said side panels and inserting an board is scored so thatthe remaining opposing side angled corner bracket into thetopfolds of each pair panels can be reversefolded beneath said centre 85 of successive side panels.

panel. The corner bracket adapted to form said sheet of Preferably said sheet of material includes corrugated board into a bin may comprise an angled corrugations. bar having a first straight centre segment, two Preferably also said sheet of material is a second straight angled segments in a plane at an corrugated sheet having its corrugations oriented at 90 obtuse angleto said centre segment, and two an angle relative to the weakening meansformed straight end segments lying in a plane at a right between the central panel and selected ones of said angle to said second segments, said end segments side panels. being rotated rearwardly at an angle of about3Wto Desirably said container can be positioned within a 45'from vertical and projecting awayfrom said first support structure which includes a plurality of 95 and second segments.

substantially upright members, each of the The sheet of corrugated board may beJor connecting panels of said container being movable example, a flexible polyolefin homopolymer or so asto conform respectivelyto the substantially copolymer, or a flexible copolymer of polyethylene upright members of said support structure. and polypropylene.

The sheet of material may be a flexible material or 100 According to another aspect of the invention there a rigid material. is provided a display container for use in The sheet of material may beformed into a bin by combination with a support structure having floor moving said side panels to positions angularly means and a plurality of substantially vertical related to said central panel portion and positioning support means, said display container comprising a comerfastening means respectively between each 105 plurality of wall members positioned in angular pair of adjacent side paneisfor holding said side relationship adjacenttothefloor means of said panels in angular relationship relativeto said central support structure, each of said wall members having panel portion. opposed end portions and each being positioned The comerfastening means may include means between a pair of adjacent support means, and for engaging a respective connecting panel, and 110 means associated with each end portion of said wall means for engaging a respective pair of adjacent members for engaging a respective one of said side panels. su bstantia 1 ly vertical support meansfor maintaining Preferablythe centre panel is rectangular, at least said wall members in angular relationship with the four side panels are provided and at leastfour floor means of said support structure.

connecting portions in theform of bands are 115 Preferably said means associated with each end provided. portion of said wall members includes a connecting Each of said side panels may be provided with portion positioned respectively between adjacent opposed end portions. Each of said connecting wall members, each of said connecting portions bands may be attached to and join the adjacent end having at least a portion thereof movable to a portions of successive side panels. Each pair of 120 position out of the planes of said wall members and successive side panels and said connecting band in a direction towards the f loor means of said attached therebetween may define an opening. support structure.

Preferably said openings defined by said Reference is now made to the accompanying connecting bands and said successive side panels drawings, in which:- are triangular in shape. 125 Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment The corrugations associated with the sheet may lie of the present invention illustrating use of the at an angle of at least 20', preferably 300to 60', most present devices in a modular display unit; preferably 450, to the longitudinal axis of said sheet. Figure2 is a top plan view of one of the present If desired, the corrugations associated with said devices of Figure 1; sheet of corrugated board may lie at an angle in the 130 Figure3 is atop plan viewof oneof the present 4 GB 2 189 466 A 4 devices of Figure 1 shown in a partiallyfolded storage container 10 is shown in its initial flatform as condition; a generally octagonal shaped sheet 29 of a board Figure 4is a top plan view of one of the present type material scored on at least one side to define a devices of Figure 1 shown in a fully folded condition; centre panel 30 and at leastfou r foldable side panels Figure5is a bottom plan view of one of the present 70 31,32,33, and 34 defined by score lines 35,35', 36, devices of Figure 1 shown in fully reversefolded 36', 37,37, 38 and 38' respectively. The sheet29 also condition; is shown to contain at least four connecting bands Figure 6is a top plan view of one of the present 40,41,42 and 43joining the outercorners orend devices of Figure 1 shown in place in a modular portions of the successive side panels 31 - 34, each displayunit; 75 connecting band being scored forflexibility atthe Figure 7is a top plan view of a preferred juncture with the outer corners of each successive embodiment of the present device; side panel by pairs of adjacent score lines 44 and 45 Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional perspective and each being additionally scored about respective view of the device of Figure 7 taken along the line 8-8 central segments 40', 4V, 42'and 43' by spaced of Figure 7; 80 apart score lines 46 and 47. Togetherwith the siides Figure 9 is a partial plan view of the embodiment of the respective successive side panels 31 and 32,32 of Figure 7 in open bin configuration; and 33,33 and 34, and 34 and 31. the respective Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of the corner connecting bands 40, 41,42, and 43 define with their bracket shown in place in Figure 9; inner sides 48,49, 50, and 51 cut-out apertures 55,56, Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 85 57, and 58, wh ich apertu res provide flexibil ity for 11-11 of Figure10; and both the side panels a nd the connecting bands Figure 12 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 without bending or deforming the structural illustrating use of the present device in a differently portions of the respective side panels and styled modular display unit. connecting bands def ined by the above- described Referring to the drawing more particularly by 90 score lines.

reference numberswherein like numerals referto Although the initial flatform of thesubject like parts, number 10 in Figure 1 identifiesone collapsible display and storage container 10 has embodiment of the present collapsible display and been shown (Figures 2 and 7) and described as an storage container in conjunction with a modular octagon-shaped sheet 29 having a substantially displaystand 11 which includes units 12 and 13that 95 square centre panel 30, the present invention is not are conveniently adaptable for stacking in a column limited to such described shape. Thus, in orderto be as shown in Figure 1. The units 12 carrythe display accommodated bydisplay rack units of varied plan and storage containers 10 of the present invention, design, collapsible containers 10 of board type which containers are shown filled with the smaller sheets 29 can be produced in a variety of shapes with sized bottle soft drink products 15 such as 16 oz 100 attendant variations in both the number and size of bottled products, while the unit 13 and the top shelf the side panels 31 34, the connecting bands 40 - 43 14 of the modular display stand 11 are shown and the defined apertures 55 - 58. Thus, there can holding largervolume bottled soft drink products 16 conveniently be produced many sizes of basically such as 2 and 3 litre bottled products. Such modular rectangularshaped sheets 29 with widevariation in display units as shown in Figure 1 can be assembled 105 the longitudinal and lateral dimensions thereof in stand-alone columnsforthe merchandising of a having the same basic numbers of foursuccessive wide variety of products and such units are side paneisjoined byfour connecting bands described in U.S. Patent No. 3,429,428. Each unit of together defining fourcut-out apertures of varying the modulardisplay stand 11 isformed of a plurality shape. Likewise, in orderto accommodate modular of similarsidewall paneissuch asthe panels 17 and 110 display units of circulardesign, a flatsheetof board (Figure 1) which interlockin such awayastoform type material can be produced with a circularcentre corner posts21,22,23. and 24 (Figures 1 and 6)with panel 30 having any numberof successive side recessed interconnections. Vertical alignment of the panels similarto the side panels 31 - 34, and a stacked modules 12 and 13 is achieved by corresponding numberof connecting bands similar cooperative engagement between upwardly 115 to the bands 40 - 43. all of such side panels and extending projections (not shown) on the panel connecting bands being defined in a similar manner upperflanges and corresponding recesses (not byscore lines as described above in connection with shown) formed in the lowerflanges. These modular the score lines 35 38, 3W- 38'and 44- 47, butsuch display units are commonly utilized in supermarkets score lines being in greater or lesser numbers and and other convenience stores and are used for 120 running in possibly different directions. Therefore, it merchandising a wide variety of shelvable products, will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthatthe particularly, bottled and canned soft drinks and other present display and storage containers can be beverages. Although the present collapsible display produced in a wide variety of shapes suited and and storage containers 10 are primarily designed for adaptable to an equally wide variety of modular use with each of the modular display units within the 125 displayunits.

display stand 11 such as the modular units 12, they The use of the present collapsible display and can likewise be easily adaptable for use with other storage container. the flatform of which is shown in types of display apparatus and merchandising Figure 2, is illustrated in Figure 6 to which reference systemsaswell. should be made. Figure 6 shows the present Referring to Figure 2, the collapsible display and 130collapsible container 10 in plan viewwhen mounted GB 2 189 466 A 5 in a module 12 of the modular display stand 11. The the attractiveness of the present containers 10 to single modular unit 12 as above-described has four display merchandisers and store managers.

corner posts 21,22,23, and 24 shown in plan section A second and more preferred embodiment of the in Figure 6. The collapsible container 10 is folded and present invention is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, inserted into the modular unit 12 so thatthe centre 70 wherein Figure 7 shows a plan view of the initial flat panel 30 rests upon thefloor portion (notshown) finished sheet29 and Figure 8 shows a partial associated with each module. Upon insertion of the perspective view of side panel 31 and 31'together present container 10 within a particular module,the with portions of connecting band 43 and centre panel connecting bands 40 - 43 respectively engagethe 30taken along the line 8- 8 of Figure 7. In Figure 7 it is modular unit corner posts 21 - 24 atthe central 75 shown that side panels 31 - 34 are initiallyformed segments W- 43'thereof between the above with additional extension panels 31', 32', 33', and 34' described pairs of spaced apartscore lines 46 and 47. of substantially the same dimensions asthe initial Thethus engaged connecting bands 40 - 43 serveto dimensions of side panels 31 - 34. The extension firmly hold the present container 10 in position with panels 3V- 34'arefolded overthe respective side the folded side panels 31 - 34 in partially upright 80 panels 31 - 34 and the mating surfacesthereof position and define with said side panels an open bin bonded together by means of adhesives or heat in the modular unit 12 as more fully illustrated in sealing or use of mechanical fasteners over a Figure 1. This provides a readily accessible open pin substantial majority of the mating surfaces while containerfrom which customers can easily access leaving unbonded those portions of the mating the products displayed therewithin such as the soft 85 surfaces adjacentthe outerfolded portion of the drink products 15 shown in Figure 1 and it likewise mated side panels. Thefolding and bonding of the facilitates restocking by store employees. Thus, respective extension panels 3V- Xto the side when used in conjunction with the modular unit 12, panels 31 - 34 is facilitated bythe provision of paired the collapsible display and storage container 10 of score lines 48 and 49 serving to define the extension the present invention provides an efficient, 90 panels 3V- Xfrom the side panels 31 - 34. Such adaptable, reusable, and accessible container paired scorelines 48 and 49 essentially replicate admirablysuited for merchandising purposes. paired score lines 35,35and 37,37'of Figure 2.

Referenceto Figures 3 - 5 will serve to illustratethe The resulting doublethickness side panel 31,31'is ease and facilitywith which the collapsible container shown in partial perspective in Figure 8. In Figure 8 it of the present invention can befolded for 95 will be seen thatthe same unitary board sheet 29 is economical and facile shipment and/or storage. In initiallyshaped by cutting and scoring to definethe Figure 3 there is shown a plan view of theflatsheet extension panels 3V- 34'as integral extensions of 29 of Figure 2 with two opposing side panels 31 and side panels 31 - 34 and thereafter each respective 33 folded in on top of the centre panel 30 (notshown extension panel isfolded over its c orresponding side in Figure 3) with their respective connecting bands 100 panel and bonded thereto. For example,the -43folded overthetwo remaining side panels 32 extension panel 3Visfolded overside panel 31 and and 34. Thefolding of the side panels 31 and 33 is bondedtopane131 over su bsta ntial ly the majority of facilitated by the paired score lines 35 and 35', 37 and the mating surfaces of said extension and side 37', 44 and 45, as abovedescribed. Figure 4 shows panels 3Vand 31. There is left unbonded the space the remaining side panels 32 and 34folded overthe 105 defined bytherespective folded but notfully mating first pair of side panels 31 and 33to produce a surfaces of extension panel 3Vand side panel 31 as substantially flat, three layer package of the shown at59 of Figure 8. Thethus produced open approximate dimensions of centre panel 30. space 59 associated with each folded over side panel Likewise, in Figure 5 there is illustrated an alternative can be utilized in a later described configuration of packing and storage configuration in which the 110 the present containerwhen intended forstand-alone remaining two side panels 32 and 34with their set up and is thus a preferred embodiment of the associated connecting bands 40 -43 are reverse collapsible display and storage container of the folded beneath the centre panel 30to again form a present invention.

flat,three layer package of the approximate Although the present container 10 can be dimensions of the centre panel 30. The upward and 115 fabricated from any suitable lightweight board type the reverse folding of the second pair of side panels material, it is preferred thatthe board type material 32 and 34 are both facilitated bythe double fold lines be corrugated and, more particularly, it is preferred produced by the somewhatwider spacing of score thatthe material of construction be a corrugated lines 36,36'and 38,38'as shown in Figure 2. It will be plastic board material as will be hereinafter apparentthatthe resulting folded packages of the 120 explained. Corrugated boards are constructed of sheets 29 will require substantially less floor, shelf, various materials, which materials offervarious orwail space for storage and such sheets can be degrees of stability, strength, and resistance to wear packaged in multiple numbers in packages or and damage in use. All such corrugated boards are cartons of substantially more easily handled sizes produces so as to have two relatively smooth outer than coul d the initial unfolded, f lat sheets 29. The 125 surfaces and an interior composed of corrugated, above described ability to be folded into a f lat fluted or substantially vertical walls with a high configuration of relatively smaller dimensions predominance of open space between the outer affords the above-described facility in both sheet of material forming the upper and lower packaging for shipment and storage of the present surfaces thereof. In the long known corrugated paper collapsible containers and this adds substantiallyto 130 board, the interior is formed of a fluted sheet of 6 GB 2 189 466 A 6 paper material bonded at the peaks of the flute to the the longitudinal axis of the container. It will further outer surface sheets of paper. In the more recently be seen that as a resu It of the folding and bonding of available corrugated plastic board which may be extension panels 3V- 34'to side panels 31 - 34, the produced by extrusion of molten plasticthrough corrugations in the respective bonded panels lie at dies, there is produced an interior of substantially 70 opposite and complementary 450 angles to the vertical walls of the plastic material integral atthe longitudinal axis of the present container. As upper and lower edges with the substantially flat mentioned above, this will afford the greatest upper and lower continous sheets of the plastic stiffness and structural strength to the double material which form the upper and lower surfaces of layered side panels produced bythe folding and the board. As a result of the process of manufacture 75 bonding of the respective extension panels to their of such corrugated plastic board the upper and lower corresponding side panels as fully illustrated in surfaces thereof display alternating ridges and Figures 7 and 8.

valleys, the valleys indicated in Figures 7 and 8 by Figures 9 and 10 illustrate an alternative reference numerals 60 and 61. The above-described configuration of the collapsible display and storage valleys coincide with the upper and lower edges of 80 container of the present invention for use as an open, the vertical walls forming the corrugations on the free-standing display or storage container suitable interior of the corrugated plastic board as a result of for placing on counters, open shelves, in store its method of manufacture and thus serve as a windows, or other convenient forms of base support.

surface indication of the direction, frequency and Figure 9 is a partial plan view of the corner of the spacing of the interior vertical walls 62, as can be 85 subject container defined by side panels 32 and 33 of most clearly seen in Figure 8. It is the frequency and doubled construction having extension panels 32' spacing of these interior walls 62 that confer on the and 33 of doubled construction having extension corrugated plastic board its strength and stiffness. panels 32'and 33'folded over and bonded to the In the collapsible display and storage container of upper surfaces of side panels 32 and 33 respectively.

the present invention it is advantageous to provide 90 Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of a corner added strength and stiffness to the structure by bracket 70 which is shown as a bar of five straight utilizing this feature of the corrugated plastic board segments 71 - 75. Corner bracket70 may be sheets from which the structure is produced. This constructed of any convenient bar stock such as advantage is realised by cutting the corrugated metal or plastic, preferably plastic bar stock. To plastic board sheet so as to producethe initial 95 provide corner bracket 70 the originally straight bar desired shape in such a mannerthatthe stock is bent, moulded orformed so asto produce a corrugations, Le.,the interior vertical walls 62 centre straight segment 71, straight segments 72 and forming the corrugations, lie at an acute angletothe 73joined to the respective ends of straightsegment longitudinal axis of the sheetthus produced. Itwill 71 and each diverging therefrom at an angle of be appreciated bythose skilled in the artthata 100 approximate 135% and straight seg ments 74 and 75 structure formed from a corrugated board will each respectively joined to the respective end of demonstrate its greatest stiffness and strength in segments 72 and 73 and each diverging therefrom at both a longitudinal and lateral direction when the an angle of approximately 90% each of the segments corrugations of the corrugated board lie at an angle 74 and 75 being rotatablyformed to an acute angle of to such axes. ftwill further be appreciated bythose 105 from about35oto about450 awayfrom the plane of skilled in the artthatwhen doublethickness panels the centre segment71. Aswill readily be of corrugated board areformed by bonding two appreciated,the corner bracket70 is used to position thicknesses of such corrugated board together,the and stabilizethe side panels such asthe panels32 greatest stiffness and structural strength will be and 33 at an angle of approximately Wto the plane produced by providing thatthe corrugations of the 110 of the centre panel 30 such as by inserting the end respective thicknesses of corrugated board lie in segment 74 into the unbonded space 59 (Figure 8) intersecting, and preferably, opposite directions. formed atthe folded edge of side panel 32 with These advantages of such an arrangement are bonded extension panel 32'and likewise inserting illustrated in Figures 7 and 8. end segment 75 into the corresponding unbonded As above discussed, it has been found 115 space 59 formed between side panel 33 and folded advantageous in the collapsible display and storage extension panel 3X. Similar corner brackets 70 are container 10 of the present invention to provide that positioned atthe remaining three corners of the such corrugations lie at an acute angle to the present container by inserting such brackets 70 into longitudinal axis of such containerwhen in flat, the unbonded spaces 59 associated with the originally-produced condition. Thus, it has been 120 remaining side and extension panels. The result found advantageous thatthe corrugations of the obtained will be seen to be an open display and corrugated board sheet lie at an acute angle of storage containerwith side panels 31 - 34 stably greaterthan 20'to the longitudinal axisthereof, positioned at approximately Wangles from the more preferably at an acute angle of from about 300 floor panel 30 of said container and with connecting 6d to about 60% and even more preferably at an angle of 125 bands 40 - 43 defining the corners of said container.

about45'to such longitudinal axis. This most Score lines46 and 47 in connecting bands 40 -43 preferredform of the present container 10 is enable said connecting bands to conform to thefixed illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 wherein it may beseen shape of corner brackets 70 when those corner thatvertical walls 62 and the coincident surface brackets are inserted into the open spaces 59 of the valleys60and61 lie at approximately a 45"angleto 130 respective side panels 31 - 34. In this regard, it is also 7 GB 2 189 466 A 7 recognised that optional hook or other attachment in a differently styled modular display unit 82 meanssuch asthe hook means 80 shown in Figures wherein round or circular corner posts 84 are utilized 9 - 11 may be associated with the brackets 70 for instead of L-shaped posts 21 - 24 illustrated in engaging and holding the respective connecting Figu res 1 and 6 with respect to the modula r display bands 40 - 43 in conforming relationship with said 70 stand 11. As can be seen, the present container 10 is brackets. In the example illustrated in Figure 10, the easily adaptable for use in a wide variety of display hook means 80 may be integrally formed with or stand applications regardless of the shape or size of attached to the centre segment71 of each bracket70 the positioning and stabilizing means, namely, the so as to overlap and engagethe respective central corner posts, associated respectively therewith.

segments 4W- 43' associated with the connecting 75 Materials of construction suitablefor use in bands 40 -43. It is also recognised that any other forming the collapsible display and storate suitable hookor attachment means may likewise be containers of the present invention comprise any of utilized to hold the connecting bands 40 - 43 in the known types of both corrugated and conforming relationship with the corner brackets 70. uncorrugated board material, although a corrugated Thus, there has been described and illustrated in 80 board material is preferred as explained above. In Figures 9 and 10 an attractive and alternative this regard, the standard corrugated paperboard of configuration forthe preferred form of the commerce, generally employed for cardboard carton collapsible display and storage container of the construction, can be used to produce the present present invention which has been found to be containers, butthat material does not afford either extremely useful and attractiveto merchandisers 85 resistance to wetting or adaptability to repeated generally. This alternative configuration affords reuse, both of which properties are desired in the opportunities for display and merchandising of present containers. Therefore, the preferred material bottled, canned, and/or packaged and unpackaged of construction forthe containers of the present products in an open free-standing and readily invention is corrugated plastic board which has accessible containerwhich can be positioned at any 90 become available in recent years as a standard convenient location in a store. This configuration commercial item. Such suitable corrugated plastic also finds utility in warehousing and storage areas as board may be madefrom any polymers which when a ready collection bin for empty containers such as extruded or bonded as corrugated board beverage cans or bottles. Many other uses of such an demonstratethe requisite flexibility forfolding and open and accessible free-standing containerwill 95 collapsing along score lines andthe needed strength occurto those versed in convenience and grocery and stiffness aswell asthe desired properties of store merchandising. It is also recognisedthata resistance to wetting, washability and adaptationto band orstrap (notshown) may likewise be reasonable reuse. Among polymers suitable for positioned around and attached tothe outerportion producing such corrugated plastic board arethe of the side panels31 -34 byanysuitable 100 polyolefins, such as polyethylene and polypropylene conventional means for angularly stably positioning and copolymers of polyethylene and polypropylene the side panels 31 - 34 relative to the floor panel 30. polyvi nylch 1 o ride, polyesters, such as polyethylene This will likewise produce an open free-standing terephthalate and polyamide such as nylon 6 or containerwhich can be positioned anywhere for use. nylon 66. The polymer composition which has been It should also be noted that although the use of the 105found most suitable for the corrugated plastic board apertures 55 - 58 is generally preferred because employed in the collapsible display and storage these apertures or openings greatly facilitate folding containers of the present invention is a copolymer of of the side panels 31 - 34 and connecting bands 40 - polyethylene and polypropylene. Corrugated plastic 43 when forming the sheet 29 into its open bin board of such copolymer compositions are standard configuration, it is also recognised thatthe present 110 items of commerce and can be obtained from a containers 10 can be formed by using sheets of variety of sources. One such brand of suitable board material which do not include an opening or corrugated plastic board is Primex Cor-X board aperture between adjacent side panels and the available from Primex Plastics Corporation of connecting band or panel extending therebetween. Richmond, Indiana. Other producers of suitable In this situation, the connecting panel positioned 115 corrugated plastic board will be known tothose between and joining the respective adjacent side skilled in the art.

panels of the container must be easilyfoldable so as The corrugated plastic board used in the to conform to the corner posts or other positioning collapsible display and storage containers of the and stabilizing means aboutwhich said connecting present invention can be shaped as desired by panels must be manoeuvred and positioned. This 120 scoring and cutting by means of well-known construction will workequally as well wherethe methods employing equally well-known apparatus sheet of board material is relativelythin sothat and machinery, both of which are familiarto those excessive crimping and bunching of the material skilled in the corrugated board art. One such suitable does not occur around the positioning and means of shaping and scoring the corrugated board stabilizing means, namely, the corner posts. As the 125 comprises pressing such board against suitable thickness of the material increases, more difficulty cutting and scoring dies positioned on one side of may be encountered in folding the connecting the board. The corrugated board can also be shaped panels to conform with the corner posts or other by utilizing thermal or heated die cutting and scoring stabilizing means. processes. Production of the corrugated board with Figure 12 illustrates use of the present container 10 130corrugations lying at any desired angle to the 8 GB 2 189 466 A 8 longitudinal axis of such desired shape can be positions angularly related to said central panel readilyachieved by plan positioning of the starting portion and positioning cornerfastening means corrugated board blanks, aswili be appreciated by respectively between each pair of adjacentside those skilled in the corrugated board art. panels for holding said side panels in angular Thus, there has been shown and described several 70 relationship relative to said central panel portion.

Claims (1)

1. embodiments of a novel collapsible display and 9. A display container

   according to Claim 8, storage container admirably suited for use in wherein said comerfastening means include means standard merchandising display units oras forengaging a respective connecting panel.

   free-standing open typecontainers for use in 10. A display container according to Claim 8 or9, merchandising and storing shelvable products, 75 wherein said cornerfastening means includes which containers fulfill the objects and advantages meansfor engaging a respective pairof adjacent soughttherefor. Many changes, modifications, side panels.

   variations and other uses and applications of the 11. A display container according to any collapsible display and storage containers of the preceding claim, wherein the central portion acts as present invention will, however, become appareritto 80 floor means.

   those skilled in the art after considering this 12. A display container comprising a sheet of specification and the accompanying drawings. corrugated board scored on at least one side to define a centre panel, a plurality of side panels CLAIMS attached to said centre panel, and a plurality of 85 connecting portions joining adjacent side panels and 1. A display container comprising a sheet having defining with each pair of adjacent side panels an a central portion, a plurality of side portions attached opening, each of said connecting portions being to the central portion, said side portions being scored so as to conform to positioning and movable in at least one direction relative to the stabilizing means, wherein said sheet of corrugated central portion, and a plurality of connecting 90 board can be formed into a bin byfolding in said side portions each positioned respectively between and panels and inserting said folded sheet into an adjoining adjacentside panels, each of said open-sided box-shaped storage module, said connecting panels having at least a portion thereof box-shaped module including positioning and movableto a position out of the planes of said side stabilizing means in theform of corner posts, and panels and in a direction towardsthe central portion. 95 thereafter folding out said side panels until said 2. A display container according to Claim 1, connecting portions engage the corner posts of said wherein the sheet of material has top and bottom box-shaped module.

   surfaces and a plurality of side edges, said sheet 13. A display container according to Claim 12, includes means for weakening said sheet along a wherein the centre panel is rectangular, at leastfour portion thereof, said weakening means being 100 side panels are provided and at least four connecting positioned at an intermediate location spaced from portions in the form of connecting bands are said plurality of side edges and defining the central provided.

   panel portion within said sheet, and portions of said 14. A display container according to Claim 13, sheet located between said weakening means and wherein each of said side panels is provided with said plurality of side edges define the plurality of side 105 opposed end portions, and each of said connecting panels. bands is attached to and joinsthe adjacent end 3. A display container according to Claim 1 or 2, portions of successive side panels, and each pair of wherein said sheet of material includes successive side panels and said connecting band corrugations. attached therebetween define an opening.

   4. A display container according to Claim 3, 110 15. A display container according to Claim 14, wherein said sheet of material is a corrugated sheet wherein said openings defined by said connecting having its corrugations oriented at an angle relative bands and said successive side panels are triangular to the weakening means formed between the central in shape.

   panel portion and selected ones of said side panels. 16. A display container according to any of 5. A display container according to Claim 1, 2,3 115 Claims 12 to 15, wherein the corrugations associated or4, wherein said container can be positioned within with said sheet of corrugated board lie at an angle of a support structure which includes a plurality of at least 20'to the longitudinal axis of said sheet.

   substantially upright members, each of the 17. A display container according to any of connecting panels of said container being movable Claims 12 to 15, wherein the corrugations associated so as to conform respectivelyto the substantially 120 with said sheet of corrugated board lie at an angle in upright members of said support structure. the range from about Wto about Wto the 6. A display container according to any of Claims longitudinal axis of said sheet.

   1 to 5, wherein said sheet of material is comprised of 18. A display container according to any of a flexible material. Claims 12to 15, wherein the corrugations associated 7. A display container according to any of Claims 125 with said sheet of corrugated board lie at an angle of 1 to 5, wherein said sheet of material is comprised of substantially 4Wto the longitudinal axis of said a rigid material. sheet.

   8. A display container according to any 19. A display container according to any of preceding claim, wherein said sheet of material is Claims 12 to 18, wherein said sheet of corrugated formed into a bin by moving said side panels to 130 board is scored so that a first pair of opposing side 9 GB 2 189 466 A 9 panelscan befolded oversaid centre panel. structure.

   20. A display container according to Claim 19, 29. A display container for use in combination wherein said sheet of corrugated board is scored so with a support structure having a floor portion and a thatthe remaining opposing side panels can be plurality of substantially vertical support means, said folded over said first pair of side panels. 70 display container comprising a plurality of side 21. A display container according to Claim 19, panels positioned adjacent to the floor portion of wherein said sheet of corrugated board is scored so said support structure, a plurality of connecting thatthe remaining opposing side panels can be panels, each of said connecting paneisjoining reverse folded beneath said centre panel. adjacent side panels and each being foldable so as to 22. A display container according to any of 75 conform to the substantially vertical support means Claims 12 to 21, wherein said side panels comprise a associated with said support structure.

   double thickness of said corrugated board folded flat 30. A display container for use in combination and bonded over a substantial portion of the mating with a support structure having a floor portion and a surfaces. plurality of substantially vertical support means, said 23. A display container according to Claim 22, 80 display container comprising a plurality of side wherein said sheet of corrugated board is formed portions positioned adjacent to the floor portion of into a bin by folding up said side panel and inserting said support structure, said side portions being an angled corner bracket into the top folds of each angularly related to the floor portion of said support pair of successive side panels. structure, and means for attaching said side portions 24. A display container according to Claim 23, 85 to the substantially vertical support means wherein the corner bracket adapted to form said associated with said support structure.

   sheet of corrugated board into a bin comprises an 31. A display container comprising floor means, angled bar having a first straight centre segment, a plurality of side portions attached to said floor two second straight angled segments in a plane atan means, said side portions being movable in at least obtuse angleto said centre segment, and two 90 one direction relativeto said floor means, and a straight end segments lying in a plane at a right plurality of connecting portions each positioned angleto said second segments, said end segments respectively between and joining adjacentside being rotated rearwardly at an angle of about Wto portions, each of said connecting portions having at 450from vertical and projecting away from said first least a portion thereof movable to a position out of and second segments. 95 the planes of said side portions and in a direction 25. A display container according to any of towards said floor means.

   Claims 12 to 24, wherein said sheet of corrugated 32. A display container for use in combination board is comprised of a flexible polyolefin with a support structure having floor means and a homopolymer or copolymer. plurality of substantially vertical support means, said 26. A display container according to any of 100 display container comprising a plurality of wall Claims 12 to 24, wherein said sheet of corrugated members positioned in angular relationship board is comprised of a flexible copolymer of adjacentto the floor means of said support structure, polyethylene and polypropylene. each of said wall members having opposed end 27. A display container for use in combination portions and each being positioned between a pair of with a modular display unit having a plurality of 105 adjacent support means, and means associated with similarly connected side wall panels, said display each end portion of said wall members for engaging container comprising a flat sheet of corrugated a respective one of said substantially vertical support board scored on at least one side to define a centre means for maintaining said wall members in angular panel, a plurality of foldable side panels, a plurality relationship with the floor means of said support of foldable connecting bands, each of said 110 structure.

   connecting bands joining adjacent side panels and 33. A display container according to Claim 32, defining with each pair of said adjacent side panels wherein said means associated with each end an opening, each of said connecting bands being portion of said wall members includes a connecting scored so asto conform to positioning and portion positioned respectively between adjacent 50' stabilizing means associated with said modular 115 wall members, each of said connecting portions display unit, said positioning and stabilizing means having at least a portion thereof movableto a including the corner posts formed bythe adjacent position out of the planes of said wall members and abutting sidewall panels of said modulardisplay in a direction towardsthefloor means of said unit. support structure.

   28. A display container for use in combination 120 34. A display container substantially as herein with a support structure having a plurality of described with reference to and as shown in the substantially upright support means, said display accompanying drawings.

   container comprising floor means having a plurality of side edges, a plurality of side portions, meansfor attaching said side portionstothe side edges of said floor means, a plurality of connecting portions, each Printed for Her Majesty's Stationery Office by Croydon Printing Company (U K) Ltd,9187, D8991685.

   of said connecting portions joining adjacent side Published by The Patent Office, 25Southampton Buildingp, London, WC2A 'I AY, portions, each of said connecting portions being from which copies maybe obtained.

   movable so as to conform to the substantially 6d upright support means associated with said support